Jennie A. Spaziani
Jennie A. Spaziani, 98, 176 Cedar St., Watertown passed away peacefully at her home with her family on Friday, February 5, 2010.
She was born Giovannina Antonia Rogato in Watertown on Sept. 8, 1911, the daughter of Frank and Rose Liana Root. She attended Boon Street School and graduated from there in 1923. She went on to continuation school for 3 years.
On Sept. 4, 1933, she married Silverio F. "Chet" Spaziani at St. Anthony's Church with Msgr. Claude Sechi officiating. Mr. Spaziani, associated with the family business, Spaziani's Bakery, died on June 19, 1998.
As a young girl, Jennie had worked as a cashier at Byer's Clothing Store. She was a cook for 50 years, working at Morgia's Restaurant and Canale's Restaurant.
She was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church. She had helped form the first Choir at the church and sang in the choir for a number of years under the direction of Professor Vecchio. She was also a member of the church's Altar and Rosary Society and worked at spaghetti suppers and at the Mt. Carmel Feast.
Jennie was very proud of her Italian-American heritage. She had been a member of the Italian American Club Women's Auxiliary since 1949. She was on the Auxiliary bocce team and enjoyed Bingo with her lady friends. She also worked many Bravo Italiano Fests. Her volunteering also included preparing sauce for the Rotary Club's annual spaghetti dinner, serving on the cooking team of the auxiliary, and being responsible for the St. Joseph's dinner at the club. Whenever the opportunity arose, Jennie was there to volunteer and give her talents.
Jennie celebrated the Feast of St. Joseph at her home every March for many years, continuing the tradition her mother brought from Italy. She enjoyed cooking, baking, flower gardens, and collecting ceramic elephants. She also loved anything purple.
Jennie especially enjoyed spending time with her family and traveled extensively, following her grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sporting events.
Mrs. Spaziani is survived by her 5 children and their spouses, Ida Jane and Querino Alteri, Rosalind and John Morgia, Silverio F. and Ann G. Spaziani, Jr., Leonard and Anne B. Spaziani, and Maryanne and Jon Vespa, all of Watertown, 18 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild, and her many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her husband, she was predeceased by 2 brothers - Angelo and Leonard Root (co-founder of the Italian American Civic Assoc.), 3 sisters - Josephine Folino, Phyllis Genga, and M. Judith Francomano, and 3 siblings who died in infancy - Anthony, Ida, and Angelina Root.
Calling hours will be held at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown, on Sunday evening, 7-9PM, and Monday, 2-4PM and 7-9PM. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 9AM followed by the Mass of the Resurrection celebrated at St. Anthony's Church at 10AM with Father Donald Robinson officiating. Entombment will be in the Glenwood Mausoleum.
Donations may be made in her name to St. Anthony's Church, 850 Arsenal St., Precious Blood Monastery, 400 Pratt St., or the Immaculate Heart Athletic Complex Committee, all in Watertown, NY 13601.
